Tag Archives: foundations
A Great Example of How a Community Can Learn and Work Together
In 2004, I graduated from Leadership Greater Washington – a 10-month program that included a cross-sector of leaders who came together once a month to learn about the various issues facing our region: education, housing, health, etc. At the time, … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged community engagement, fellowship, foundations, funders, health affairs, leadership, nonprofits, partnerships, social issues
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Maybe the Community Doesn’t Want You
Now, more than ever, I am hearing about foundations implementing various community engagement activities. This was also highlighted in GEO’s recent report, “Is Grantmaking Getting Smarter?” Foundations want – and should—involve the community in various aspects of their work. But … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged communities, community engagement, foundations, funders, GEO, grantmaking, local control, nonprofit
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Sustainability: The Nonprofit Joke
I recently had lunch with a nonprofit Executive Director (ED) who was lamenting about “sustainability” in the nonprofit sector. I empathized with her. It is always a question that funders ask, and yet there are few good answers. I remember … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged executive director, foundations, funders, nonprofit, power dynamics, sustainability
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What if Foundations Didn’t Measure their Own Impact?
I recently met with the VP of a large foundation, who shared that they were struggling to define their “impact.” I applaud them for having the conversation, which can be a challenging one. Nowadays, everyone wants to talk about outcomes … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged foundations, funding, impact, measurment, outcomes
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A Clearinghouse for Grantmaking
Imagine if nonprofit organizations could submit one proposal and one budget each year that was submitted to a Clearinghouse. They could tell their story, share the impact of their programs, and reveal their goals that they hope to achieve for … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged clearinghouse, efficiency, foundations, funders, nonprofit, nonprofits
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Funding the Full Cost Can Enhance Social Good
I was intrigued by the recent article, “The Full Cost Project: Funding for Impact.” It made me start to wonder if and how foundations could fully support projects of organizations, rather than ask them to diversify their resources. As a … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged diverse resources, foundations, funding, multi-year investment, nonprofits, projects, proposals, resources, sustainability
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Term Limits for Program Officers Could Be Beneficial
I had never heard of a foundation imposing “term limits” for their program officers, but I love the idea of it! And I’m impressed that the Hewlett Foundation has taken that step. It’s an important one. Before I even read … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged foundations, hewlett, hewlett foundation, philanthropy, program officers, term limits
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Foundation Program Officers: Is It a Privilege? (Part 2 of 2)
Earlier this week, I posted a blog on CEP’s recent report: “Benchmarking: Program Officer Roles & Responsibilities.” I shared some general reactions, but I have a few more thoughts to share. It’s fascinating – and worrisome – that only 52% … Continue reading
Asking the Hard Questions is Not Always Fun
Last month, I met with a family that wanted to honor their father through the creation of a foundation. The children’s father had recently passed away. He loved music – all kinds of music – and had been a long-time … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged consulting, family, foundation, foundations, legacy, nonprofits, questions
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It Has a New Fancy Name, But We’ve Been Doing It Forever!
Last week, I facilitated a two-hour discussion on Strategic Co-Funding. For those of you who may not be familiar with the concept, it is when two or more funders work together towards a clearly articulated social mission goal that has … Continue reading
Posted in Blog, Uncategorized
Tagged collaboration, collaborative funding, facilitation, foundations, partnership
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